While we’re still pondering whether the much-rumored 16-inch MacBook Pro will launch in 2019 or 2020, a new report from DigiTimes claims Apple will begin receiving volume shipments of the new notebook during the fourth quarter of 2019.
The report repeats previous claims, such as the 16-model will have a super thin bezel design, possibly allowing it to be similar in size to the existing 15-inch MacBook Pro, despite its larger display. Taiwanese manufacturer Quanta Computer is said to be the main supplier.
Even if Apple begins receiving volume shipments of the new MacBook Pro model during the fourth quarter doesn’t mean the new Macs will hit shelves in the fourth quarter. As pointed out by MacRumors, Apple could be simply stockpiling the 16-inch MacBook Pro ahead of an additional round of 15% import tariffs on Chinese goods.
While Apple Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo had originally predicted the larger MacBook Pro would launch in Q4, he has changed his tune lately, instead offering vague statements that a “new MacBook model” featuring a scissor keyboard will launch in mid-2020. Betas of macOS Catalina have been found to contain multiple images of a 16-inch MacBook Pro .
As is usual for reports like this, especially from DigiTimes, they are best take with a grain of your favorite salt-free substitute. We’ll keep you posted if we hear anything more.